When I was pregnant with my first baby, we had a beautiful baby shower. It was sweet, filled with love, and I was so grateful. We had diaper raffles, tiny onesies, adorable decorations, and enough cinnamon rolls to feed a village. I remember how special it felt to have everyone come together to celebrate our growing family. It really was a day to remember.
But now that I’ve just had my second baby, I can’t help but think about what I really needed the second time around—something way more practical: a nesting party.
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What Is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is a newer trend that’s less about balloons and bows and more about prepping your actual life for baby. Instead of guests showing up with gifts, they show up to help. We’re talking freezer meals, organizing baby stuff, building cribs, folding laundry, and stocking postpartum baskets.
Honestly? This would’ve been a dream the second time around.
Why I Didn’t Do It… But Wish I Had
This pregnancy, there wasn’t a shower. And that was okay. I already had the baby gear, and most people assume you don’t need another celebration. But what I did need—especially with a toddler at home—was support in getting my house, body, and brain ready for life with a newborn again.
I made my own freezer meals. My mother-in-law helped, which I’m so thankful for, but let’s be real… it was mostly on me. I set up the nursery, washed the baby clothes, ordered the postpartum care items, and prepped everything from nursing snacks to toddler busy bins. My husband helped where he could—he put the crib together, of course—but a nesting party would’ve brought all hands on deck.
The Kind of Help I Actually Needed
Instead of watching me waddle around the kitchen trying to make batches of muffins and quiches, imagine if a few friends had come over with ingredients, ready to cook together. We could’ve knocked out a week’s worth of dinners and lactation snacks in one afternoon. That would’ve been the biggest gift.
Instead of new baby toys, I would’ve loved:
A few crockpot dump meals ready for postpartum
Someone to help fold baby laundry while we chat
Freezer snacks and nursing-friendly breakfasts
Friends helping set up the diaper caddy or restock the postpartum basket
Someone vacuuming or doing dishes while I sat with my feet up
That’s the kind of love I didn’t know I needed until I was in the thick of it.
Why Nesting Parties Make So Much Sense Now
Let’s be honest. Traditional showers are fun—but a nesting party is useful. It’s the kind of event that actually reduces stress, lightens the mental load, and sets you up for success when the baby comes.
And I know I’m not the only mom who would benefit from this. Whether it’s your first or your fourth baby, postpartum is intense. You’re not sleeping, you’re learning a new baby, your hormones are all over the place, and you still have to feed yourself (and in my case, a toddler too).
A nesting party gives you a head start.
Plus, it’s way more sustainable. You’re not buying single-use decorations or hosting a huge guest list. You’re spending time with your people, bonding over a shared goal: getting mom ready.
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What a Nesting Party Could Look Like
If I could go back, here’s what I’d plan:
A small group of close friends and family
A potluck-style meal prep session (everyone brings ingredients!)
Someone in charge of organizing baby drawers and diaper stations
Another person building or setting up gear
A friend snapping photos to capture the memories
A cozy, casual vibe—music on, snacks out, no pressure
Everyone would leave feeling like they did something important. And I’d be set up with food in the freezer, a stocked postpartum cart, and less to stress about.
Final Thoughts
I don’t regret having a baby shower with my first—it was beautiful, and I’m so grateful. But if you’re having another baby, or you’re in a season where support matters more than stuff, I can’t recommend the idea of a nesting party enough.
Next time (if there’s a next time), I’m skipping the big event and going all in on the help I actually need.
Because when the newborn fog rolls in, you won’t care about the decorations—you’ll care about the meals in your freezer and the love that helped put them there.
Don’t leave without grabbing this! I created this free checklist from my own nurse and mom experience so you can pack with confidence—even if labor hits early.”
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Want even more postpartum prep help? Check out my Postpartum Playbook—it’s the guide I wish I had the first time.
